I volunteered on the 3rd shift this year, which operates from 3am to 11:30am. When I arrived at the shelter, the clients were asleep. My role at this time was to monitor the sleep area and make rounds to make sure everyone was safe and calm.
Then later in the morning I had to wake up the clients, help other volunteers prepare breakfast and serve the meal (which is always nutritious). Knowing that I was the first face they'd see in the morning, I made sure to always be calm and peaceful so their day would start off the same.
After breakfast, I would help the other volunteers make sure the bed pads were sanitized and put away in an orderly fashion. Then we would clean the kitchen and sleep area and head out.
The choice I made to volunteer for BEDS was great. I have made friends with the other volunteers and I look forward to seeing them each month.
I will definitely be back next year and look forward to volunteering with my regular "crew" of volunteers.
Review from Guidestar
I volunteered to work at one of the shelter sites this year, for the 2nd shift, which runs from 11pm to 3am. I didn't know what to expect and was a little nervous on my first night. But the experience was really a remarkable and simple one for me. I bonded closely with my fellow volunteer working late night with me, and looked forward to seeing him each month. The homeless clients were usually asleep the whole time we were there, so the work was "easy" - but when I would check the bathrooms and walk around the sleeping areas making sure everyone was sleeping well and safe in their area, I felt like my job was important. I know that BEDS has to organize hundreds of volunteers for these roles each month, and I am amazed at how smoothly and effectively the organization pulls it off. I'm also a BEDS donor now as well, confident and aware of how they spend my money. Thanks BEDS staff and other volunteers for providing this safe haven for the poor and homeless in our village! I will definitely volunteer again next year!
Review from Guidestar